In an effort to enhance attention to pedestrian safety at the intersection of Dorchester Avenue and Adams Street, Fields Corner Main Street (FCMS), one of the city’s 20 Main Street organizations, is developing a mural to help with the messaging. 

FCMS, located at 1444 Dorchester Avenue, is dedicated to serving residents and business owners throughout the neighborhood. One way that executive director Jackey West Devine plans to do so is by improving the busy crossroad at the center of the neighborhood.

“That intersection needs work,” said West Devine. “We’ve seen constant traffic jams, car accidents that include all forms of transportation, pedestrians being hit, cyclists being hurt, and so many fender benders. Two people have died in this intersection in the past five years. Given our mission, we find it unacceptable that the main intersection in our district is so unsafe.”  

While there are four existing crosswalks at the site, they have not proven to be effective enough to protect residents crossing the road. Many community members have not only expressed a concern for safety but also a desire to beautify the intersection. Because of this, FCMS is collaborating with Artists for Humanity to create an aesthetically pleasing mural that will contribute to the safety of pedestrians.  
“Artists for Humanity is a nonprofit in South Boston that employs teen artists,” West Devine told the Reporter in an interview. “The teens working on the design project are from Dorchester and live with the intersection and will be experiencing the change that comes with this public art project.”

FCMS and the teen artists joined forces in June and hope the project will be completed by next spring. “Our goal is really simple: We want pedestrians to be able to cross from the post office to Saigon Chicken House during one red light,” West Devine said.

“Currently, it takes two light changes,” she added, “and even then, it isn’t always safe because cars are often stuck in the middle of the intersection while the walk signal is on. There is no visible marker for cars or pedestrian space or enough time for cars to clear crosswalks during their light.” 

The ongoing design will mark the pedestrian space with the words “Community Love” and “Fields Corner” as well as various hands formatted in the shape of a heart. While this is the current idea, West Devine and FCMS are continuously accepting feedback from the community.

The mural will also be created with the same thermoplastic that crosswalks are made from, which means there may be some design limitations. Once the final design is confirmed, setting the mural will take place overnight and the substance will cure immediately. 

“This is part of a multipronged effort,” said West Devine. “We are engaged in constant conversation with the City’s Streets Team to work on how people use the intersection. We are also considering the timing of signal changes and the location of crosswalks. The mural is one way to add to traffic calming. It’s a way that we, as an organization, can take a proactive step forward. We don’t think that this is going to be the silver bullet to solve all traffic issues in our neighborhood, but we do think it is one way to make the space feel safer and more welcoming.”